6 May 2017 was international Free Comic Book Day where, all over the world comic books are handed out to visitors of local events. Sandton comic book store, Central City Comics decided to use this day to help visitors embrace their inner superheroes and raise funds for the Sandton SPCA.

Global Access heard the call and joined in to help spread information and knowledge around the SPCA on the day using their interactive technology, Sensanetik. Global Access helped set up the stand for the Sandton SPCA with grass, bowls for the pets on the day to have access to water, tables and chairs as well as a custom SPCA Sensanetik display. This experiential digital signage solution allowed people the chance to pick up and hold a toy version of the animals the SPCA helps. With the content on the screen changing every time the cat or dog was lifted, visitors throughout the day learned more about how they could help the SPCA.   

“Technology can connect us if used correctly. It was a privilege to use our experience, skills and solutions to create a digital display solution for the SPCA that was memorable, interactive and above all built a connection between visitors and the SPCA.“ Says Ivano Stipcevich, Head of Digital Signage Networks at Global Access.

The SPCA is run purely off donations and receives no money from the Government and it is days’ like this and companies like those involved at the CC Heroes day that make all the difference. The Sandton SPCA from the combined efforts of the comic book store, Global Access and all the visitors and exhibitors on the day managed to gather donations of food, money and blankets to the value of R 10 000.“There is a superhero in all of us, we just need the courage to put on the cape.” – SupermanGlobal Access is an innovative digital media and content solutions provider.

On Saturday, May 6, the 16th annual Free Comic Book Day was celebrated by more than 2,000 comic/geeky stores worldwide, handing out approximately 6 million comics into the hands of eager fans. It’s a day for welcoming new people to the world of comics and stores that sell them. But the newest comic book store in Jhb, Central City Comics, instead of just using the day to promote their store, decided to take to heart what they love most about comics and the geeky lifestyle and use this day to be heroes and get other people to do the same.   Based in Sandton Commercial Village in Marlboro,Jhb, Central City is five minutes away from the Sandton/Marlboro SPCA.

“The whole object of the day was to share our passion for the geek culture with new people while still helping a good cause and bringing awareness to the best sidekicks any hero could have, their pets.” – Stephen Lewis, Co-owner of Central City Comics.People from around Jhb gathered from 10am to get their free comic books and donate to and support the SPCA. Everyone who donated got a 10% discount on their purchases from Central City as well as badge of honour for joining the #CCHeroes community.

“The SPCA is run purely off donations and receives no money from the Government. This was our opportunity to make a difference and give our awesome heroes (our customers) a chance to help too. That’s why we called it Be A Hero Day and not just FCBD. It was a day to do enjoy what we love and make a difference.” – Lee Herrmann, Co-owner of Central City Comics. 

The Sandton SPCA from the combined efforts of the comic book store and all the visitors and exhibitors on the day managed to gather donations of food, money and blankets to the value of R 10 000. Everyone involved came together to make an amazing day for visitors and the SPCA, with exhibitors selling epic geeky goodies and food trucks feeding the humans and cosplay competitions for pets, kids and professionals. Mix 93.8 Fm also joined in on the day delivering a live broadcast during Hain Kaisers show and they were seen supporting and donating to the SPCA throughout the day. Even big business got involved with Global Access helping set up the stand for the Sandton SPCA with grass, bowls for the pets on the day as well as a custom SPCA Sensanetik display.

“Your ears must have been burning this weekend – all your donations and the jacket donations literally saved the day, we are so full with puppies at the moment, and it was so cold, so they were all snugly dressed up this weekend.” – Emailed a volunteer from the SPCA this week.It was definitely a Free Comic Book Day with a difference and Central City looks forward to next year which will hopefully be even better. “You are going to make a difference. A lot of times it won’t be huge, it won’t be visible even. But it will matter just the same.” – Commissioner Gordon

Thanks to all the #CCHeroes Exhibitors and Supporters:

• Sandton SPCA
• Mini Me Memorables
• Global Access
• SIN BIN: Graphic and Fashion Design
• Inks M.D
• Ke Ai
• Yes Sir EPM
• Phat Kids Kitchen                                                                                                                    
• The Filthy Moustache Gourmet Food Truck
• Steamed Rabbit
• FairyFountains
• Reigning Red
• Emilia Paw Arts
• MissMoan
• Salty Sweet
• Sera Blue
• Abigail Godsell
• QuikPix Photo Booth 

Central City Comics was the dream of two guys who loved their comics, movies, toys, gadgets, zombies, sci-fi epics, costumes and general geekery. It was either become superheroes or open a comics and pop culture superstore. They went with the latter and established their own Fortress of Solitude, Batcave and Millennium Falcon all rolled into one. But they never forgot their dream of being superheroes and so want to launch their store and help the helpless, the animals of the SPCA Sandton/ Marlboro area which is five minutes away from the store.

Johannesburg, Gauteng, 25 April 2017 – A brief touch of 30 seconds is enough for people to begin to create attachment and that’s exactly how Global Access intends to help the Sandton/Marlboro SPCA. Global Access is inviting you to join them on the 6th of May 2017 at the Central City Comics Be A Hero Day at the Sandton Commercial Village where they will be setting up their touchable tech, ‘Sensanetik’. Here you will find out how you can be a hero!  

This experiential digital signage solution will allow people to pick up and touch a toy version of the animals the SPCA helps. By lifting up the cat or dog, visitors will learn more about how they can help the SPCA.  But why not just use a pamphlet, or a normal digital screen? What makes Sensanetik so special?It is through the engagement with the tech and information shared, that the SPCA can build a connection with the visitors. A connection, that will drive them to want to help the SPCA achieve its’ mission to ‘prevent cruelty to animals and positively contribute to animal welfare through serving and educating our communities.’         

“A lot of people see technology as disruptive and say it’s moving us away from each other. We wanted to show that it can be used to raise awareness and actually be a part of building a caring community. By creating a display that excites people to learn about the SPCA and hopefully contribute to the protection of their animals, we aren’t disrupting them. We’re using a format they are already used to, technology and screens, to enrich their lives and to improve the lives of those who can’t speak for themselves, the animals.” Says Ivano Stipcevich, Head of Digital Signage Networks at Global Access.   

By engaging with the Sensanetik, visitors can see the opportunities to become heroes and help the SPCA either through adoption or various other ways from dog walking to donations.

“The Sandton/Marlboro SPCA will also be there on the day where we know our display will help draw interest to them, but also it will be remembered long after the day. It’s an honour to be able to use our innovations to help.” Says Brad Willson Managing Director at Global Access. The day promises to be fun, family friendly, filled with comics, food, pets and above all heroes of all kinds who will be there supporting the SPCA. Global Access, Sandton/Marlboro SPCA and Sensanetik will be there, will you don your cape and join them? 

Global Access is an innovative digital media and content solutions provider.

For more information on the event:

FB Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1134558056654431/

Quicket Event Link: http://qkt.io/D4dHIk